4. The Young Cast
Asa Butterfield. Abigail Breslin. Hailee Stanfield. Any time a book starring children is adapted to film, it runs into one major problem: most kid actors suck. The problem is multiplied when the subject matter is dark and/or complex, as it is for Ender's Game. Consternation over the cast is to be expected. The production staff were smart in advancing the age of the main characters by a few years. While not true to the source material (the kids were pre-teen at the oldest for the novel), it provides the film a much better chance of landing competent actors. The casting director deserves a medal for this one, folks. The three main child parts were filled by the above listed actors who total less than 50 years in age. Yet, in those years these three have racked up a filmography that includes The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Hugo, Little Miss Sunshine, Zombieland and True Grit. Read that list again. These kids can act. I will remember this, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where its due, so that defeat is not a disgrace. And I hope I don't have to do it often. - Ender Wiggin